Parañaque Chinese Connection – Author Carlo Carrasco

Ban On POGOs Institutionalized

November 6, 2025October 29, 2025carlocarrasco

The ban on Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGOs) has officially been institutionalized recently as Republic Act Number 12312 has been signed into law by President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos, Jr., according to a news article by the Philippine News Agency (PNA).

Back in July 2024, the ban on POGOs was declared and there were some economic effects that followed (click here and here). POGOs are notorious for being connected with varied forms of crime and human rights abuses. It should be noted that even though the ban was in effect, there were still POGO operations uncovered in Parañaque City (click here, here and here) which itself has been a hot spot of criminal activities involving Chinese nationals for many years now.

To put things in perspective, posted below is an excerpt from the news article of the PNA. Some parts in boldface…

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. has signed Republic Act (RA) 12312, institutionalizing the ban on Philippine offshore gaming operators (POGOs) and declaring their operations and other related activities illegal.

RA 12312, or the Anti-POGO Act of 2025, signed by Marcos on Oct. 23, repeals RA 11590, which previously legalized offshore gaming operations.

“The State recognizes that the maintenance of peace and order, the protection of life, liberty, and property, and the promotion of the general welfare are paramount for the meaningful enjoyment of democracy. The State likewise values the dignity of every human person and guarantees full respect for human rights,” the new law stated.

“To this end, offshore gaming operations in the Philippines are hereby banned and declared unlawful,” it added.

RA 12312 prohibits the establishment, operation, or conduct of offshore gaming in the Philippines; the acceptance of any form of betting for offshore gaming operations; acting as a POGO gaming content or service provider; the creation and operation of a POGO hub; and the introduction, use, or possession of POGO gaming equipment or paraphernalia.

The law orders the permanent cancellation of all licenses previously issued for POGO operations.

All Alien Employment Permits and certificates of exemption and exclusion issued by the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE), as well as any visa or work permit issued by the Bureau of Immigration (BI) or other visa-issuing agencies to POGO workers, have also been revoked.

“Upon the effectivity of this Act, the DOLE, the BI, and other visa-issuing agencies shall not be allowed to issue any visa or work permit to any person for purposes related to offshore gaming operations,” the law stated.

“The BI shall ensure that any foreign national whose visa is cancelled in accordance with this provision shall be deported directly to the country of his or her birth or citizenship, in coordination with the appropriate embassy or consulate.”

Under RA 12312, all POGOs, as well as POGO gaming content providers, accredited service providers, and local gaming agents whose licenses have been revoked, remain liable for taxes, duties, regulatory fees, and all other charges up to the last day of their operations.

These are due and payable to the government for obligations arising from or in connection with their operations.

The Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) is directed to audit persons and entities to determine any outstanding tax liabilities, despite the revocation of licenses and closure of operations.

Let me end this post by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? Do you think there are still POGOs or even tiny POGO-like operations still operating secretly around the country right now?

You may answer in the comments below. If you prefer to answer privately, you may do so by sending me a direct message online.

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Thank you for reading. If you find this article engaging, please click the like button below, share this article to others and also please consider making a donation to support my publishing. If you are looking for a copywriter to create content for your special project or business, check out my services and my portfolio. Feel free to contact me with a private message. Also please feel free to visit my Facebook page Author Carlo Carrasco and follow me on Twitter at @HavenorFantasy as well as on Tumblr at https://carlocarrasco.tumblr.com/ and on Instagram athttps://www.instagram.com/authorcarlocarrasco

Two Chinese Nationals Arrested By Immigration Agents In Parañaque City

October 14, 2025October 7, 2025carlocarrasco

Recently in the city of Parañaque, agents of the Bureau of Immigration (BI) arrested two Chinese nationals – one fugitive and the other with a hold departure order from a local court – according to a news report by GMA News.

To put things in perspective, posted below is an excerpt from the GMA News report. Some parts in boldface…

A Chinese national wanted in his home country for allegedly duping his victims of over $900,000 through fraudulent investment schemes was recently arrested in Parañaque City, the Bureau of Immigration said on Monday.

The BI’s Fugitive Search Unit collared the 36-year-old suspect during an operation along Aseana Avenue in Barangay Tambo in the evening of Sept. 29. Aside from being a fugitive, the suspect was also found to be an overstaying alien.

The Chinese national is wanted by the Jiutai District Court in Chang Chun City, Jilin Province, China, for illegal absorption of public deposits.

The suspect allegedly conspired with other Chinese nationals in defrauding 6.54 RMB (renminbi) or around $918,603 from 42 investors between 2016 and 2019 by enticing them to put their money in fraudulent investment schemes.

During the same operation, the BI agents also encountered another Chinese national, a 53-year-old man with active derogatory records and is facing a hold departure order from a Parañaque City court.

Both foreigners were taken into custody following booking and documentation procedures and will be turned over to the BI’s Warden Facility in Camp Bagong Diwa, Taguig City.

Let me end this post by asking you readers: What do you think about this recent development? If you are a resident of Parañaque, are you concerned that there could be more Chinese fugitives living secretly in your local community? What do you think makes Parañaque a hot spot of criminal activity involving Chinese nationals?

You may answer in the comments below. If you prefer to answer privately, you may do so by sending me a direct message online.

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For more South Metro Manila community news and developments, come back here soon. Also say NO to fake news, NO to irresponsible journalism, NO to misinformation, NO to plagiarists, NO to reckless publishers and NO to sinister propaganda when it comes to news and developments. For South Metro Manila community developments, member engagement, commerce and other relevant updates, join the growing South Metro Manila Facebook group at https://www.facebook.com/groups/342183059992673

Five Chinese Nationals and Two Local Cohorts Apprehended By CIDG in Parañaque City Over Selling Unregistered Beer and Luncheon Meat

August 25, 2025August 16, 2025carlocarrasco

Recently in the City of Parañaque, five Chinese nationals and two local cohorts were arrested by operatives of the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) for selling beer and luncheon meat that were not registered with the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), according to a Manila Bulletin news report.

To put things in perspective, posted below is an excerpt from the news report of the Manila Bulletin. Some parts in boldface…

Operatives of the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) arrested five Chinese and their two alleged Filipino cohorts for selling beers and luncheon meat that are believed to be smuggled.

CIDG director Brig. Gen. Christopher Abrahano said the bottles of beer and the cans of luncheon meat they seized during the operation in Barangay Marcelo in Parañaque City were not registered with the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

This is the reason, he said, why the five Chinese and two Filipinos were collared and now facing criminal charges.

He said the operation stemmed from reports about the proliferation of food and beverage products that were smuggled into the country and being sold without the approval of the FDA.

Armed with a search warrant, CIDG operatives swooped down on a warehouse in Parañaque City and seized 500 cases of “Snow” beer in cans, and 300 boxes of “Meining” pork luncheon meat. The seized products are estimated to be worth P1.1 million.

Let me end this post by asking you readers: What do you think about this recent development? If you are a resident of Parañaque, are you considered that Chinese criminals staying in the city are somehow smuggling products around? Could you tell if the products offered to you were smuggled? Is smuggling only to get worse in Parañaque over the next six months?

You may answer in the comments below. If you prefer to answer privately, you may do so by sending me a direct message online.

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NBI agents attacked by Chinese national during entrapment operation in Parañaque City

June 24, 2025June 19, 2025carlocarrasco

During an entrapment operation in Parañaque City, a Chinese national physically attacked three agents of the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) and it took a few men to subdue him, according to a GMA Network news report.

To put things in perspective, posted below is an excerpt from the news report of GMA News. Some parts in boldface…

Three agents of the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) were physically attacked by a Chinese man during an entrapment operation in Paranaque City.

In John Consulta’s exclusive report on “24 Oras” on Tuesday, the incident occurred against members of the NBI Criminal Intelligence Division inside a building in Parañaque City.

Video showed one NBI agent backing away after he was punched in the face by one of the Chinese men.

Authorities had difficulty in arresting the Chinese man after his violent outburst after his companion was being arrested.

“Nagulat kami. Lumaban. Nanakit ng mga agents natin. Very bothering yung ginagawa nung isang suspect na lumaban sa mga otoridad kasi parang hindi na niya kinakatakutan ang local authorities. Hindi na sila natakot kahit alam nila otoridad,” said Noel Bocaling, NBI Intelligence Service assistant director.

(We were caught off guard because he fought back and hurt our agents. What he did was very bothering because it seemed like he was not afraid of local authorities.)

“It took at least three men to subdue the said person pero kung unarmed, you will practice maximum tolerance din pagdating sa ganyan. Huliin mo talaga kaya tatlong agents dyan ang nasaktan,” he added.

(It took at least three men to subdue the said person, but he was unarmed, [so] you will practice maximum tolerance in this case. You need to arrest them, but in the process three of our agents got hurt.)

According to the NBI, one of the Chinese men is facing a complaint for allegedly keeping the complainant’s passport as ransom.

“Passport na ayaw isuli and the passport will be returned for a fee kaya pumunta kami doon in an entrapment operation. Naghanda kami ng pera, ng marked money, para ibayad and then after dun, ang plano huliin,” Bocaling said.

(The suspect will only return the complainant’s passport if he pays the fee, so we prepared marked money for the entrapment operation and the plan was to capture him.)

Let me end this post by asking you readers: What do you think about this recent development? If you are a resident of Parañaque, do you consider your city a hot spot of criminal activities and violent incidents involving Chinese nationals?

You may answer in the comments below. If you prefer to answer privately, you may do so by sending me a direct message online.

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NBI arrests 20 foreigners in Parañaque City for illegal POGO operation

March 4, 2025March 1, 2025carlocarrasco

Recently in Parañaque City, elements of the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) arrested twenty foreigners who were caught operating a Philippine offshore gaming operator (POGO) at an Aseana City building, according to a Philippine News Agency (PNA) news article.

To put things in perspective, posted below is an excerpt from the PNA news article. Some parts in boldface…

The National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) on Friday announced the arrest of 20 foreign nationals operating an illegal Philippine offshore gaming operator (POGO) hub in Parañaque City.

In a statement on Friday, the NBI said the suspects were arrested in an operation on Feb. 25 at Aseana 3, West Tower, 8912 Avenue, following a complaint of the wife of a Chinese national working for a POGO company operating under the trade name “LWE.”

She alleged that her husband, who worked as a customer service representative, was being held against his will by his employers.

During the operation, agents of the NBI Special Task Force uncovered a fully operational online scam hub.

The arrested foreigners have been charged before the city prosecutor’s office for violating Section 4(b)(1) (Social Engineering Schemes) of Republic Act (RA) 12010, or the Anti-Financial Account Scamming Act (AFASA) in relation to RA 10175, or the Cybercrime Prevention Act of 2012.

Let me end this post by asking you readers: What do you think about this recent development? If you are a resident of Parañaque, are you concerned that there could be a lot more POGOs and scam hubs operating secretly at the Aseana City buildings? What do you think makes Parañaque an attractive spot for scam operations and POGOs involving foreigners?

You may answer in the comments below. If you prefer to answer privately, you may do so by sending me a direct message online.

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PAOCC files cases against many foreign nationals involved in Parañaque City scam hub

March 3, 2025February 25, 2025carlocarrasco

In relation with the big raid on an office build in Parañaque City that resulted in the apprehension of hundreds of suspects, the Presidential Anti-Organized Crime Commission (PAOCC) announced that it has filed charges against several foreign nationals who were among the many suspects arrested, according to a Philippine News Agency (PNA) news article.

To put things in perspective, posted below is an excerpt from the PNA news article. Some parts in boldface…

Charges of qualified human trafficking were filed by the Presidential Anti-Organized Crime Commission (PAOCC) against 20 foreign nationals apprehended in the Feb. 20 raid of a scam hub in Parañaque City.

PAOCC Executive Director Gilbert Cruz said the raided Philippine Offshore Gaming Operator (POGO) hub at the ATI building, in front of the Parañaque Integrated Terminal Exchange (PITX), ran investment and love scams using foreign nationals.

A total of 435 POGO workers, including 148 foreign nationals, were arrested at the Chinese-run hub.

“We conducted the inquest for the foreign nationals operating the POGO hub here at PITX and we have filed charges against 20 of them,” Cruz said in an interview.

“Qualified trafficking, because you can clearly see that they facilitated the employment of individuals in this POGO hub to work here for a long time.”

Cruz said the scam hub also had several other violations, including the lack of the necessary permits to operate.

Among the complainants were three Vietnamese women.

“These Vietnamese women were the models they used to attract investors and then after you fall in love, that’s it, they will invite you to invest in cryptocurrency,” Cruz said.

Let me end this post by asking you readers: What do you think about this recent development? If you are a resident of Parañaque, do you think the presence of illegal POGOs having hundreds of employees – both locals and foreigners – make the city look bad? Do you consider Parañaque City a hot spot of criminal activities involving Chinese nationals and other foreigners? Do you think that a lot of bad money – money sourced from scams and illegal means – made its way into Parañaque’s local economy?

You may answer in the comments below. If you prefer to answer privately, you may do so by sending me a direct message online.

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Crime syndicates may have infiltrated government agencies

February 18, 2025February 9, 2025carlocarrasco

In connection with the recent raid on a particular travel and consultancy firm that was allegedly involved with the issuance of fake Philippine government documents, it seems that crime syndicates may have infiltrated certain agencies of the government, according to a Philippine News Agency (PNA) news article.

To put things in perspective, posted below is an excerpt from the news article of the PNA. Some parts in boldface…

Senator Sherwin Gatchalian warned that criminal syndicates may have infiltrated key government agencies following the recent raid on a travel and consultancy firm that allegedly facilitated the issuance of fraudulent Philippine government documents.

“The recent raid strengthens our suspicion that criminal syndicates have infiltrated agencies such as the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA), Bureau of Immigration, Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA), and Philippine National Police (PNP),” Gatchalian said in a statement on Friday.

This came after members of the Presidential Anti-Organized Crime Commission (PAOCC) found birth and marriage certificates and a passport with a foreign national’s photo but a Filipino name during a raid at JRB Travel and Consultancy Services Inc. based in Intramuros, Manila on Wednesday.

Gatchalian, who has filed a bill to expand Philippine Statistics Authority’s (PSA) authority and impose penalties on civil registrars involved in fraudulent registrations, urged law enforcement to intensify efforts in dismantling these illegal networks.

He cited cases wherein individuals reported paying large sums to the travel agency to secure the release of their detained partners, with one complainant claiming to have paid PHP900,000 to free her fiancé and another paid PHP1.1 million for her husband’s release after a Jan. 17 raid in a Philippine offshore gaming operators (POGO) center in Parañaque City.

In a press conference on Thursday, PAOCC Executive Director Gilberto Cruz described the raided travel agency as the “missing link” in the Senate’s ongoing investigation on POGOs.

He said the firm enabled foreigners to obtain government-issued documents, allowing them to stay in the country despite crackdowns on POGOs.

Aside from document forgery, Cruz revealed that personnel of the travel agency also impersonated PAOCC personnel to extort money.

Cruz, however, clarified that no actual PAOCC officers were involved in the scheme.

Let me end this post by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? Do you think the national authorities will be able to find and arrest all the criminal elements who infiltrated government agencies? Do you think the law enforcers can put a stop on the forgery of government documents?

You may answer in the comments below. If you prefer to answer privately, you may do so by sending me a direct message online.

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Two Chinese nationals arrested in Parañaque City for selling unregistered medicines

February 18, 2025February 14, 2025carlocarrasco

Recently in the City of Parañaque, two Chinese nationals were arrested by elements of the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) for allegedly selling unregistered medicines, according to a Philippine News Agency (PNA) news article.

To put things in perspective, posted below is an excerpt from the PNA news article. Some parts in boldface…

The Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) have arrested two Chinese nationals allegedly involved in selling unregistered medicines in Metro Manila.

Agents of the CIDG-Detective and Special Operations Unit nabbed suspects Hu and Quan in a buy-bust at Concorde Village, Tambo, Parañaque City past midnight Saturday.

According to a news release Sunday, the CIDG agents confiscated two boxes of OTC 999 – Ganmaoling Keli, 20 boxes of Glucophage – Metformin Hydrochloride Extended-release tablets, two boxes of Amlodepine Besilate tablets, three boxes of Linou – Gliclazide tablets, two boxes of OTC – Longdan Xiegan pills, four boxes of Zhibai Dihuang pills, one box of Bear Bile powder, 12 boxes Diamicron – Gliclazide tablets and 16 boxes Bayaspirin – Aspirin Enteric-coated tablets.

The medicines, with an estimated market value of PHP15,000, are not registered with the Food and Drug Administration.

The suspects will be charged with violation of Section 11 of Republic Act 9711 (FDA Act of 2009) which prohibits manufacturing, importation, export, sale, distribution and transfer of unregistered drugs.

CIDG chief Brig. Gen. Nicolas Torre urged the public to remain vigilant and report suspicious activities related to the sale of unregistered medicines.

Let me end this post by asking you readers: What do you think about this recent development? If you are a resident of Parañaque, how many Chinese nationals are living within your local community right now? Did you notice any foreigners selling unregistered medicine locally? Why do you think Parañaque remains a hot spot of criminal activities involving Chinese nationals?

You may answer in the comments below. If you prefer to answer privately, you may do so by sending me a direct message online.

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Chinese national arrested at NAIA Terminal 1 for using a fraudulently acquired visa

February 4, 2025January 27, 2025carlocarrasco

Recently at Terminal 1 of the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA), elements of the Bureau of Immigration (BI) arrested a Chinese national who was found using a fraudulently acquired working visa, according to a Philippine News Agency (PNA) news article.

To put things in perspective, posted below is an excerpt from the news article of the PNA. Some parts in boldface…

Bureau of Immigration (BI) officers at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) arrested a Chinese man for using a fraudulently acquired working visa.

In a statement, Immigration Commissioner Joel Anthony Viado said 23-year-old Li Xuanjun was intercepted at the immigration departure area of NAIA Terminal 1 in Parañaque City on Jan. 22 before he could board a Philippine Airlines flight for Quanzhou, China. Viado said Li’s name prompted a hit in the bureau’s automated derogatory check system.

The hit indicated that the passenger was wanted by the BI for possessing a working visa which he acquired through fraud and misrepresentation.

Verification made by the BI supervisors confirmed that Li and the person who is the subject of the derogatory hit are one and the same.

“We will be deporting him for being an undesirable alien which stemmed from his acquisition of a visa through dishonest means,” Viado said. “His inclusion in our blacklist effectively banned him from re-entering the Philippines.”

The passenger was turned over to the Order Control and Intelligence Unit which brought him to the warden facility in Taguig City as he undergoes deportation proceedings.

Records showed that Li’s working visa was canceled by the BI in 2023 after an investigation revealed that he acquired his visa upon the petition of a fictitious employer company.

A check with the Securities and Exchange Commission and the Department of Trade and Industry reportedly found that the purported firm is non-existent.

Let me end this post by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? Do you think there are still a lot of Chinese nationals here in the Philippines using visas that were fraudulently acquired? How many Chinese nationals are living in your local community right now? Are you ready to report the presence of illegal aliens to the local authorities?

You may answer in the comments below. If you prefer to answer privately, you may do so by sending me a direct message online.

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Three foreigners arrested in Parañaque City over shooting incident at a residential complex

November 25, 2024November 14, 2024carlocarrasco

Recently in the city of Parañaque, three foreign nationals – two Chinese and one Cameroonian –were arrested over a shooting incident that wounded another foreign national at a residential complex, according to a Philippine News Agency (PNA) news article.

To put things in perspective, posted below is an excerpt from the PNA news article. Some parts in boldface…

Three foreign nationals were arrested in a shooting incident that wounded a Chinese national in Parañaque City, the Southern Police District (SPD) said on Thursday.

In a report, SPD Director Brig. Gen. Bernard Yang identified the suspects as alias Shi, 31, and alias Sui, 33, both Chinese nationals, and alias Edwin, 39, a Cameroonian.

They were arrested after a shooting incident occurred at a residential complex in Barangay Don Galo on Wednesday morning.

The victim, a money changer employee residing in the complex, identified as alias Li, a 35-year-old Chinese national, sustained gunshot wounds and is currently receiving medical treatment at the San Juan De Dios Hospital in Pasay City.

He identified the suspects to the police, leading to a swift operation that resulted in the arrest of Shi, Sui, and Edwin.

During the arrest of the suspects, operatives seized 200 grams of suspected shabu with an estimated street value of PHP1.2 million, a 9mm Glock 19 pistol, one magazine, ten live ammunition, two empty shells, one bullet slug, three butane gas canisters, and two pointed weapons.

Let me end this post by asking you readers: What do you think about this recent development? If you are a resident of Parañaque, are you concerned that the city will remain a hot spot of criminal activity involving foreign nationals? Why do you think foreigners who engage in violence and possess firearms commit crime in Parañaque?

You may answer in the comments below. If you prefer to answer privately, you may do so by sending me a direct message online.

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